Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest state-supported institutions of higher education on the West Coast and is one of the preeminent research universities in the world. Learn more
At the University of Washington, we are committed to supporting our students' development: intellectually, physically and emotionally. Learn more about Student Life
Exceptional learning opportunities are around every corner. Our students have gone to the moon. Mapped the human genome. Broken the sound barrier. Created vaccines. Negotiated peace. What amazing things will UW grads do next? Read more
The University of Washington recruits the best, most diverse and innovative faculty and staff from around the world, encouraging a vibrant intellectual community for our students. We promote access to excellence and strive to inspire through education. Vision & Values
No matter where you are, Husky Happy Hours are a great way to plug into the University of Washington's strong network of alumni. Connect with UW grads in a casual setting and meet fellow alumni in your area. Details
Shoes are a necessity, not an afterthought. That’s why Mindy Kornberg, UW vice president for human resources, has organized a drive to gather new and gently used shoes from the campus community to give to the homeless and others in need. It started Oct. 12 and runs through Nov. 4.
Mary Levin
Mindy Kornberg hopes everyone will give a pair of shoes for those less fortunate.
It’s all part of the 2011 Combined Fund Drive, Washington state’s workplace giving campaign, which runs through Dec. 2. This year’s drive at the UW is looking to meet or beat last year’s total of $2,044,404.
The shoes will go to Redeeming Soles, a Seattle-based nonprofit that provides new and gently used shoes to agencies serving the homeless and others in need. According to an excellent July 2011 article in the newspaper Real Change, Redeeming Soles had redistributed more than 5,600 shoes in its first nine months of existence in 2010 and 2011, and is holding a big Shoe Harvest throughout October.
Kornberg was impressed with the story of Scott Sowle, executive director of Redeeming Soles, who after years of jobless — and often shoeless — wandering dedicated himself to providing footwear for others.
“Many underprivileged adults and children are stuck with ill-fitting shoes, or they have no shoes at all,” Kornberg wrote in an email. “While many of us would think of donating gently used coats, or clothes, most of us don’t think about shoes.
“Redeeming Soles provides footwear for all in need throughout the Puget Sound. Together, we are holding a Shoe Harvest on campus. Bins will be at various locations across campus for staff to donate their gently used shoes.”
Collection bins will be at the following locations:
Condon Hall, first floor
Health Sciences lobby and rotunda
Kane Hall, Classroom Support Services, in the basement
Plant Services Building, second floor
UW Tower, Sky Bridge lobby on second floor and fourth floor café.
Larger-sized men’s and women’s shoes are particularly needed, Kornberg said. Any unusable shoes gathered will go to Goodwill to be made into playground material.
Kornberg sponsored a successful sock drive in 2007 and thought this would be another good way to assist the low-income and homeless. Light-hearted enough to pose for a photo loaded down with socks back then, she sat bedecked with shoes for this year’s shot — and resisted the temptation to lace her comments with shoe puns — mostly, that is.
“Together we can help meet an important area of need,” she said. “So, be a good sole and give a pair of shoes."
Subscribe to News
